HMI Leader / UX Researcher
During my time at Renault, I was responsible to guarantee exceptional user experience for all HMI aspects (physical and digital) such as Multimedia, Cluster, ADAS, and Park Assist systems. Responsibilities included defining user expectations, validating requirements, mapping the customer journey, conducting extensive research, performing usability tests, and advocating for user-centered design. I also analyzed market trends, competitor benchmarks, and user satisfaction research to continually enhance the user experience based on evolving needs.
HMI Leader
As the HMI leader for the Americas region, I served as the ambassador for both physical and digital HMI within the company. My role involved championing user-centric design principles, ensuring adherence to company guidelines and brand identity. I prioritized meeting user needs while maintaining a consistent and compelling HMI experience across the region.
Brand Identity
I played a key role in shaping Renault's desired brand identity for each market segment and overall as a brand. Each project had specific targets aligned with different areas of the car. My responsibility was to ensure that both physical and digital HMI elements adhered to the brand identity. If discrepancies were identified, I took proactive measures, alerting and requesting necessary changes to align with the intended brand image.
Market trends
​In my role as an HMI leader, I systematically analyzed market trends for both digital and physical HMI at both high and low levels, particularly during the development of new projects. This involved an in-depth study of segment-specific market trends and the expectations of target users. A notable instance was the comprehensive market trend analysis for defining the DIM/Cluster of the next-generation vehicle. This effort aimed to anticipate the required size and functionalities based on the evolving needs and preferences of the segment.
Competitor Analysis
Volkswagen Polo
Ford Ecosport
Hyundai Creta
Toyota Yaris
Honda HRV
My routine involved continuous competitor analysis, whether in the initial phases of new projects to identify market needs and trends, or when a directly correlated vehicle was launched. I also conducted assessments for specific functions across different brands. Notably, a comprehensive competitor analysis was conducted when Renault planned to introduce advanced ADAS in the region beyond standard features like a rearview camera and cruise control. This involved an extensive examination of the UX and HMI implementation in all relevant regional cars, including real-world scenarios such as long drives and city traffic.
Quality surveys
Upon acquiring a Renault car, users participated in a post-purchase quality survey, supplying me with valuable feedback on UX and HMI. Thoroughly reviewing verbatims and analyzing data, I developed action plans to address major user concerns. Armed with compelling facts and figures, I then motivated the company to proactively resolve issues and elevate the overall user experience and satisfaction.
User research and clinics
This methodology was consistently applied across the entire vehicle lifecycle, encompassing both development and production phases. Either from user complaints or the need to test a new functionalities, numerous clinics and A/B testing were done to see the acceptance and how intuitive and easy the new functionality was. An example with this was the off in the label of the button which was tested to be removed (more on this use case later).
ADAS Workshop
When Renault embarked on integrating advanced ADAS features in the region, I was chosen to conduct ADAS workshops across the entire company. These workshops were presented for managers, the engineering team, and open sessions for anyone interested. My analysis focused on both the functionality and how they were presented to the user. After the workshop, we had a drive session with competitors that had advanced ADAS, so people could experience it and see for themselves how it felt to experience this functions.
Test and validation
.png)
In addition to developing HMI concepts, I also had the responsibility of rigorously testing and validating the functions I developed, in both digital and physical realms. This involved diverse stages of maturity, from early mock-ups to the final car, including functions already in customers' hands undergoing updates or enhancements. The testing process entailed both static and dynamic analyses, ensuring a thorough validation of the user experience.
Physical buttons guidelines
One of my key responsibilities involved meticulously monitoring the placement of all physical switches in each project. This entailed ensuring compliance with legal requirements, internal company guidelines, and optimal ergonomic principles. In cases where deviations were identified, I initiated and obtained approval for deviation requests.
.png)
Global HMI Conference
As HMI Leader, I hosted the annual HMI conference, where we had numerous workshops to make sure that all the regions were following the same guidelines and were being consistent. Additionally, I presented my regions' needs and expectations and had my colleagues from around the world experience our own cars from the Americas and their competitors.
Case study:
"Off" icon in switches
This case is just one among numerous UI and iconography studies I actively engaged in. Specifically, many cars featured a "Stop and Start" button designed to turn off the engine at a complete stop for emission reduction. However, the original button icon, with a red LED and an "OFF" label, created confusion. Users couldn't easily discern whether the function was on or off just by looking at the button. Addressing the widespread complaints, we developed a new icon, tested it internally using A/B testing, and subsequently implemented the permanent change for future projects.
